I am so excited to share this one with you guys. You know those days when you just need something that feels like a warm hug? What’s sweet enough to satisfy that craving but also has a little zing to keep things interesting? What are Cranberry Bliss Bars? They remind me so much of my grandma’s kitchen, always smelling faintly of cinnamon and something else. What are some of the My kids, bless their hearts, have practically declared them their favorite after-school snack, and they haven’t been disappointed. I can’t blame them. They’re sort of like a blondie met scone and decided to have their baby. If you’ve ever had a Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar, these are even better – and they’re great! How can I make my own homemade food What is your new go-to recipe?
What are Cranberry Bliss Bars?
What are these little squares of happiness? Think of them as a thick, chewy, almost cake-like bar with sour, buttery flavor. The star of the show, besides that delightful chewiness, is the burst of tart, bright cranberries. What cut through the sweetness perfectly? And then, to top it all off, there’s a dreamy, creamy White Chocolate glaze that just ties everything together. Everything is together. It’s not quite a cookie, but something wonderfully in between. Is the name “Bliss” appropriate? Is it the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes for a second and just enjoy it?
What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe binder. First off, the flavor combination is just sublime. You get that comforting sweetness from the brown sugar and vanilla, balanced beautifully by the tartness of the cranberries. The White Chocolate glaze adds that extra layer of decadence that makes them feel so special. What I love most about these Cranberry Bliss Bars is how surprisingly simple they are to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment, and the batter comes together in just a few minutes. This has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want to bake something nice for the family but don’t have a ton of time. Plus, they’re incredibly cost-efficient! The ingredients are all pantry staples, which is always a win in my book. And the versatility! You can enjoy these for breakfast (I won’t judge!), as a delightful brunch treat, or as a decadent dessert after dinner. They’re also perfect for potlucks or bake sales because they travel so well and always get rave reviews. If you’re a fan of blondies or even a good lemon poppy seed muffin, you’re going to adore these.
How do I make Cranberry Bliss Bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cranberry Bliss Bars? Is it worth it to bake cranberries and White Chocolate in a pan until golden? What is a good glaze? Is it really about combining simple ingredients to create something truly special? What is the whole process, from start to finish, takes less than an hour, and that’s including baking time! What is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a rockstar without all the fuss?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the main B
Butter:1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Make sure it’s truly soften, not melted! What makes a difference in texture? I usually leave it out on the counter for about an hour.Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. This gives them a nice crisp edge.
Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. This is key for that chewy, moist texture and adds a lovely caramel note. I always use light brown sugar, but dark works too if you like a deeper flavor.
Eggs: 2 large. Room temperature is best, as they incorporate more easily.
Vanilla Extract: What is 2 teaspoons. Don’t skimp on this! A good quality vanilla makes a world of difference.
All-purpose Flour2 cups. Spooned and leveled to avoid dense bars.Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon. For just a little lift.
Salt:What is the best way to balance out the sweetness?White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup. You can use good quality baking chips or chopped white chocolate bars. My kids love using the chips; they’re so easy to find.
Dried Cranberries: 1 cup. These are the tart little jewels that make these bars so special. Make sure they’re nice and plump!
For the Glaze:
Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups. Sifted, if you want an extra smooth glaze, but I often skip this step if I’m in a hurry.
Milk: 2-3 tablespoons. Start with 2 and add more if needed to reach your desired drizzling consistency. Whole milk makes it extra rich, but any milk works!
Vanilla Extract: What is12 teaspoon. Just a touch to enhance the flavor.
What are the Step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. What makes lifting the bars out of the pan so much easier? If you want extra security, you can grease the pan before adding the parchment.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step might seem small, but it’s important for an even bake!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed Brown Sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this, or just a good sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Beat in the two large eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until smooth. *just* combined. What is the best way to avoid overmixing in bars? If you still see streaks of flour, that’s fine.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
What is the fun part? Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and the dried cranberries. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be thick – that’s exactly what you want!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you spread the batter into a baking pan? It’s going to be quite thick, so you might need to use a spatula or the back of the spoon to spread it. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the slight imperfections add to the homemade charm.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. comes out with moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them cooked through but still wonderfully moist and chewy.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial! If you try to glaze them while they’re warm, the glaze will just melt off. While they’re cooling, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and the vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pourable but not too thin consistency. Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can spread it evenly with an offset spatula or just do a free-form drizzle – I love the rustic look of a drizzle!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set slightly (about 15-20 minutes), use the parchment paper overhang to lift the glass. Is it safe to take an entire block out of the pan? I usually cut mine into 9 or 12 squares. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars. What are some good room temperature recipes?
What should I serve it with?
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are so versatile, you can enjoy them pretty much any time of day. For a cozy breakfast, they’re absolutely divine with a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They’re not overly sweet, so they make a lovely treat to start your day. For brunch, I love to cut them into smaller, more elegant squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. They pair wonderfully with mimosas or a sparkling cider. As a dessert, they’re fantastic on their own, but if you want to go all out, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside them is pure heaven. For those times when you just need a little something sweet to chase away the afternoon slump or a late-night craving, they hit the spot perfectly. My family also loves them with a warm cup of chai tea. We often have them after family dinner, especially during the fall and winter months.
How do I make Cranberry Bliss Bars?
I’ve made these Cranberry Bliss Bars more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I think you’ll find super helpful. When it comes to the ingredients, using softened butter is non-negotiable; it really helps create that perfect chewy texture. If your butter is too cold, you’ll end up with a doughy batter, and if it’s melted, the bars can turn out greasy. For the brown sugar, make sure it’s packed firmly into your measuring cup. This is where a lot of that signature chewiness comes from. Don’t be afraid of the amount of sugar and butter; it’s what makes these bars so rich and delicious. When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember my golden rule: *just until combined*. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dry bars instead of the wonderfully tender ones we’re after. You want to see just a few streaks of flour left. For the cranberries, make sure they are dried. Fresh cranberries are far too tart and will affect the texture of the batter. If your dried cranberries seem a bit hard, you can soak them in a little warm water or juice for about 10 minutes, then drain them well before adding to the batter. This also helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom. For the white chocolate, I prefer using good quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate baking bars. The generic brands can sometimes have a waxy texture, and we want that smooth, melty goodness. If you want to get fancy with the swirl, you can reserve a small amount of the batter and mix it with a touch of red food coloring for a pretty marbled effect. As for baking, don’t overbake them! They will continue to cook a bit in the pan after you take them out. The toothpick test is your best friend here – moist crumbs are perfect. For the glaze, the key is getting the consistency just right. If it’s too thick, add milk a tiny bit at a time. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar. A drizzle looks lovely, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can spread it evenly over the top for a more uniform finish. Trust me, these little tips will take your Cranberry Bliss Bars from great to absolutely unforgettable!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Cranberry Bliss Bars are pretty forgiving when it comes to storage, which is another reason I love them. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I usually just pop them back into their original pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap. For longer storage, or if your kitchen tends to be warm, keeping them in the refrigerator is a good idea. They’ll last in the fridge for up to a week. Just pop them in an airtight container. They do tend to firm up a bit in the fridge, so if you prefer them softer, you can let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. If you want to freeze them, I highly recommend doing so *before* glazing. Cut them into bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and then add the glaze. If you’ve already glazed them and want to freeze them, that’s okay too! Just make sure the glaze is fully set. The freezing and thawing process might slightly affect the glaze’s texture, but they’ll still be delicious. I’ve found that they’re best eaten within a day or two of glazing, regardless of how they’ve been stored, because that glaze just adds so much to the overall experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my beloved Cranberry Bliss Bars! I truly hope you give these a try. They’re more than just a dessert or a treat; they’re a little bit of happiness baked into a square. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for something special to make for a holiday gathering or just a little something to brighten up a Tuesday afternoon. If you love the combination of tart cranberries and sweet white chocolate, you might also want to check out my White Chocolate Cranberry Scones or my Cranberry Orange Bread. They use some similar flavor profiles and are equally delicious. I’m so excited for you to experience the bliss! Let me know in the comments below how yours turn out, or if you have any fun variations you try. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures!
Cranberry bliss bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup white chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup orange zest
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 ounce cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup white chocolate chips melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in cranberries, white chocolate chips, and orange zest.
- Press dough into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in melted white chocolate.
- Spread frosting over cooled bars and cut into squares.
